[Translated article] Avelumab to treat Merkel cell carcinoma: real-life experience in a dedicated oncology center

Abstract

The arrival of immunotherapy has revolutioned the management of patients with metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). We conducted an observational, retrospective study of 14 cases treated with avelumab. The response rate was 57%: complete response was reached in 29% of patients, and partial responses in 29%. The drug proved effective in 83% (5/6) of the patients with a single metastatic site. However, the disease progressed in 75% (3/4) of the patients with bone metastases. PD1-L expression, MCC polyomavirus (MCPyV) positivity, and an impaired neutrophil-to-lypmhocyte ratio (NLR) could not be associated with responses to the therapy. Avelumab is an effective and safe drug for the management of advanced MCC, and its effectiveness appears to be impacted by the number and location of metastases.

Keywords: Avelumab; Carcinoma de células de Merkel; Immunotherapy; Inmunoterapia; Merkel cell carcinoma; Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio; PD1 protein; PD1 receptor; Proteína PD-1; Receptor PD-1; Índice neutrófilo-linfocito.